Archive for December 2008

MGR is termed as the Tamil movie Box Office Emperor(Vasool Chakravarthy) When he left Cinema world in 1977 his old movies were re-released.

Every year his movies colour and as well as Black and white, super hit or average movies of those day, hits the silver screen. And the people always throng the places and makes his movies always a hit.

Continuously in the 31st year MGR re-release movies are spinning money for the distributor.

These are movies re-released in Chennai alone. Some of the movies I have covered in our blog. I have not included MGR magnum opus movie “Ulagam Sutrum Valiban” here. I will put the post separately.

Ananda Vikatan has issued a vintage edition dated 2.8.1964 the title “A day with MGR in Ramavaram Gardens”. Group of Reporters visited MGR’s residence “Ramavaram Garden”.

They were welcomed by MGR who returned from shooting. He appeared fresh and cool. The reporters questioned about the animals in Ramavaram Gardens. MGR told that the bear and deer given by MGR Fans from Aranthangi. MGR mentions his fans as his friends and not as fans.

The area of Ramavaram Gardens is 7 1/2 acres. It is full of vegetation, Mango tree, Banana cultivation and paddy is also cultivated. It has a Swimming pool and Gym.

Ramavaram Garden bungalow was named as “Annai Nilaiyam”. And MGR has constructed a temple to his Mother in the Eastern side of the garden. The reporters asked him since he was in DMK why did he construct a temple because the party was against God worship. MGR cleared their doubt. (Read for yourself)

Breakfast with coffee and Ice cream were given to all the reporters in the mean time MGR queried about the driver who came with them and was he taken care of.

After this party MGR asked the reporters to come with him to take a look at his underground. The reporters were astonished that MGR was very bold enough to show them the underground were MGR could hide his riches. When they questioned him MGR with a smile said there is nothing to hide.

They followed MGR. He opened the door leading to the underground it looked alike in cinema. But when they reached the underground they saw images of Political leaders, religious leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Vivekananda, Jesus Christ, Buddha, Ramalinga Swamigal, Saradhamani Ammaiyar, Bharathiyar, Thiruvalluvar. And lots of books written by various authors, on various subjects. MGR explained why he has kept this Library in underground because when someone speaks it will echo so who ever comes to read the books only concentrate in reading.

The reporters came up with MGR but the underground Library was in their mind. They asked the difference between Drama and Cinema. MGR without hesitation answered, lot of difference between Drama and cinema I can give you an instance, I have acted in En Thangai both in drama and as well as in cinema. When I was acting in drama I can change my mood instantly and able to weep and act in natural way. But when the same was done in Cinema I adamantly not used glycerin. When they showed me the shot it looked though I am not crying because due to heat of the tears dried before they reach my cheeks. From that day onwards I realized the difference between the Cinema and drama and started to use glycerin like others.

MGR told about that he is going to shoot Kalki’s novel “Ponniyin Selvan” in Tamil and as well as in English and that he has asked “Anna” for English dialogs. He also told that he is wishing to visit foreign countries and he is going to participate in cultural festival in Malaysia shortly.

The reporters felt that MGR was different in person he was very calm and cool.

MGR remains a compelling topic for filmmakers and film lovers, even 21 years after his death. And in a phase of reliving old movies and songs, through remakes and remixes, he and his movies are hot property, as he towers Tamil cinema as a colossus.

Hardly anyone escapes the fantasy of doing an MGR song, or having people sway to their tunes the way he did. That Rajinikanth, who’s arguably the most popular living star in Tamil cinema, used MGR’s name as his in Sivaji The boss, is only ample proof of that. And why, Kamal Haasan, who’s already used an MGR title, Sathi Leelavathi, had lined up one more such title, Marmayogi, for his next.

But this craze for MGR doesn’t confine itself to the immediate generations following his alone. Actors Backiaraj and Sathyaraj, who’ve openly flouted their regard for the Puratchi Thalaivar, are backed by the youngest crop of actors today too, including Backiaraj’s son, Shantanu himself. Says the young actor, “It’s hard to escape the magic of he and his movies. If I were asked to do a remake of his films, I’d definitely pick Nadodi Mannan, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban or Vettaikaaran. I believe just using his title creates an impact with the people,” explains the actor, who is currently involved in the last lap of shooting for a remake of his dad’s movie, Pudhiya Varpugal. It may be noted here that two of the movies mentioned by the actor, Vettaikaaran and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban are being reused in Kollywood now, with another movie also titled Valiban Sutrum Ulagam.

Speak about Vettaikaaran, it is all set to be Vijay’s next movie, following Villu, and will begin in February. Speaking to Expresso, director Babu Sivan, who debuts with Vettaikaaran says, “The title was chosen because it would have a good reach among cinema fans. But that was only half the reason for choosing such a title. The title of Vettaikaaran, meaning hunter, fits the bill to describe the hero’s character in the commercial, action-sentiment movie.”

Actor-director Sundar C thinks no different. “I’m a diehard MGR fan myself. And I have a dream project in mind, and I’ve given it the title of MGR’s Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban. It has no resemblance to the actual story, but it’s title close to my heart as an MGR fan. And it fits the story too,” explains the director. But if he were to remake an MGR classic, which one would it be?

“Naadodi Mannan, obviously,” he responds. “It’s got all the ingredients to make it a relevant hit even today: from the grandeur, to the complex storyline, twists in the story, exotic island locations and a gripping climax. And yeah, two heroines to dance with,” laughs Sundar C, adding that the film had an enviable second half.

The list of MGR fans in the industry is long, and longer is a check of MGR titles used in films today, from ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’, ‘Nam Naadu’, ‘Nalai Namadhey’, ‘Pudhumai Pithan’, ‘Raman Theydiya Seethai’, ‘Netru Indru Nalai’ and ‘Anbe Va’, to movies after his songs like ‘Pachaikili Muthucharam’, ‘Azhagiya Ta’, ‘Ennai Theriyuma’, ‘Thulluvadho Ilamai’, to name a few.

Attempts to recreate MGR on screen through computer graphics have also been made, and the latest in that league is Puratchi Thalaivar, a full length feature film with an animated MGR as the lead. With MGR’s movies like ‘Ulagam Sutrum Valiban’ or ‘Nadodi Mannan’ being bigs hits in the second runs they have earlier this year, looks like the Puratchi Thalaivar’s magic isn’t weaning out anytime soon.

MGR Produced, Directed and acted movie Ulagam Sutrum Valiban was re-released in Broadway and Mahalakshmi this week. The response was tremendous.

This was taken in Broadway theatre 21.12.2008 for the evening show. The capacity of the theatre is more than 1000.

MGR Devotee Sathya garlanded the MGR image.

The show was almost full. Some of matinee crowd was waiting to see the response for the evening show.

As usual Venkat has placed placards here is a new one in Broadway.

As the remembrance Day of MGR Fans and Devotees nearing "Ponmanachemmal Sri MGR Bakthargal have come up with the remembrance day poster. Pardon for the poor quality of the image. I will try to upload the full image in next post.

These are self funded organizations aimed to promote and carry on the works done by MGR.

These organizations not only participate in garlanding and distributing sweets during MGR movies re-release but also perform Annadanam, help the poor children by distributing Books, pens and donating for medical help.

All the members of MGR Organizations age group is from 35 to 45. But most of the members are around 25 and some are not born when MGR was alive. Most of the young blood have not seen MGR in person.

The above MGR cut out is placed in a Bangalore theatre in 1990 during the release of MGR movie “Avasara Police 100” formerly “Anna Nee En Deivam”.

This is for the re-release of MGR movie “Kudieruntha Kovil” in May 1986. Watch how tall is the cut out and the size of the garland.

Images forwarded by member of MGR Foundations and Editor of Urimai Kural Magazine B.S.Raju.

MGR still has a strong hold in Villages were most of them are his fans.

Now one of the MGR Devotees Mr.Nedumaran aged 45 years coming from Athur of Salem District has idolized MGR.

Mr.Nedumaran has said that he is ardent MGR Fan, and he uses the dress attired by MGR in his films. And he says that MGR is his Kula Deivam.

Mr.Nedumaran has spent Rs.20,000 to idolize MGR. The statue is 3 feet in height raising right hand, gesturing two leaves symbol, kerchief in his left hand and a Lion statue in front of the idol. Now Mr.Nedumaran is performing pooja daily.

He has planned to construct a temple and estimated amount is Rs.2,00,000 (2 lakhs)

MGR Temple

He further says that MGR is the only person or Leader who always respected his fans, party men and people. He is equivalent to Lord Rama and Krishna because they have ruled and died and they were called as Andu mandu ponavargal (Andavan) and MGR also ruled and died that is why I am worshipping MGR.

He will start the construction of the shrine after his daughters marriage.